What is the best eSIM for travelling to the USA?

Are you a regular business traveller to America? Or are you seeking to study in the US? You may well be looking to understand what is the best eSIM international calling solution. Finding an international roaming plan that fits your needs and budget can be confusing to navigate and find. eSIMs have been widely adopted by business travellers and expats alike, to avoid unduly international call rates.

eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. To connect a physical SIM card to the Internet, you must insert it into your phone. As for the eSIM, it's considered virtual and can be activated with the click of a button, activated over the internet. The following article explores some key areas to consider when choosing your eSIM solution plus how to connect an eSIM through Zadarma, to leverage hassle free, affordable communication while in the USA.

How easy is it to activate and start to use a digital eSim for the USA?

Activating an eSIM for travel and use in the USA is generally straightforward. The process typically takes a few minutes, allowing travellers to quickly access data and stay connected upon arrival in the USA. Let’s take a look at Zadrama’s digital eSIM activation process as an example.

Zadarma’s 3 step - eSIM setup process

Like all digital eSIMs, you will require an internet connection to ensure Zadarma’s eSIM works.

Register with Zadarma by going to the registration page:

1. Fill in the mandatory fields
2. Select the relevant region and relevant price plan for you
3. Simply click on «Register» and you will be sent a confirmation email from Zadarma and follow the link to verify your email address.

In your Zadarma’s personal account go to Services - eSIM. Then choose a country or a region where you will need the Internet, for instance, USA

Scan the QR code on the email and then you can download and activate digital eSIM

Which Phones Support eSIMs and Zadarma’s eSIM compatibility

You will need to check that you have a compatible iOS and Android device that supports the digital eSIM. 
Zadarma covers over 200 devices as well as wider operating systems, including the following devices:

• Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and all subsequent models,
• Google Pixel 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and all subsequent models,
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20, S20, S21, S22, and all subsequent models,
• Huawei P40, and all subsequent models,
• Xiaomi 12T Pro and 13 Lite,
• Apple iPad from iPad Air 3rd and higher,
• As well as various models from brands such as Asus, Oppo, Sony, Dell and many others.

Zadarma’s eSIM tariff packages for travel to the USA:

Zadarma offers a wide range of tariff packages for travel to the USA. Prices start from $8 for 2 GB for 30 days. Here is a full list of the GB tariff packages below:

• 2 GB for 30 days
• 3 GB for 30 days
• 10 GB for 30 days
• 20 GB for 365 days
• 50 GB for 365 days

Considerations when choosing an eSIM for USA

1. Affordability

When researching different eSIM solutions, you should compare the cost and variance in eSIM plans to ensure you find the best value for money. When comparing different eSIM solutions, a key consideration is to compare the amount of data, voice, and text messaging included in each plan, and any additional charges in the small print. You will be able to choose from a variety of data plans offered by different vendors. Some plans will appear more affordable than others, however, be sure to check whether the listed features suit your needs.

A digital eSIM provided through a VoIP phone system vendor, offers a cost friendly communication solution. Zadarma offers various eSIM plans where you can select the relevant country, including the USA and connect to the price plan quickly. Zadarma’s eSIM allows you to gain access to multiple virtual numbers that can be used anywhere. If you are travelling regularly to the USA, then ensuring you have a level of communication set up can be an expensive and stressful process. eSIM price plans vary in duration. Zadarma offers eSIMs for 7 to 365 days durations for instance, which allow you to easily switch between different data plans depending on the country. This gives you more options to find what works best for you.

2. Communication Coverage

Your network selection should be a key priority when choosing which eSIM suits your needs best. If you intend to travel where there is limited mobile data coverage then be sure to select an eSIM solution that offers coverage in all the areas you plan to visit in the USA. Different providers have varying coverage areas, and it’s important to check the coverage map before purchasing.

VoIP empowered eSIMs can be a smart choice as long as you have an internet connection. With a digital eSIM you are able to use the eSIM wherever you are, through the internet. With an eSIM, you don't need to switch to a physical SIM when travelling to different countries. Instead, you can download a new eSIM remotely and start using it immediately.

3. Data speed & hassle free activation

It is important to check the data speed of your eSIM provider and understand the setup process before signing up to your new eSIM provider. Traditional eSIM cards require a special hook tool to be able to eject the SIM itself, making the set up process fiddly which can be a lengthy process. In comparison, eSIMs are accessed digitally. You often have to follow a few prompts and can authorise access through a couple of clicks. Digital eSIM are often faster to set up. You can also activate your eSIM remotely, as before you arrive at your destination. You avoid wasting the value of time searching for a local eSIM vendor and your travels remain uninterrupted.

4. Compatibility

Whether you are going for a physical eSIM card or a digital eSIM, it is vital you do your research to ensure the SIM card is compatible with your mobile phone. Different SIMs will have variable compatibility, and you don’t want to purchase a physical SIM card and then find it does not work with your mobile phone, as you have compatibility issues. Digital eSIMs are device agnostic, as they are activated through the internet, they operate across many devices.

5. eSIM customer support

It is highly advisable to select an eSIM solution provider that comes with a level of responsive customer while abroad in the US. Some eSIMs vendors may only offer support within certain time zones. Their customer service centre may be closed with no international out of hours support while you are in the US time zone. Zadarma offers 24/7 customer support to all eSIM users, no matter where you are in the USA, Zadarma agents are on hand, across time zones, available to support any needs. By selecting an eSIM provider with excellent customer support, you will be sure that you can leverage their assistance whenever you need it.

Conclusion: What is the best eSIM to select while travelling in the USA?

Zadarma eSIM provides the best local tariffs for connecting to the mobile network, allowing you to avoid roaming charges. Also, Zadarma offers local, mobile, and free phones, with 800 virtual phone numbers in the US and 100 countries around the world. Digital eSIM solutions bring significant advantages to US travellers & holiday makers, providing a cost effective communication solution when travelling across the USA. All the logistical hassle of getting a physical SIM card no longer exists. If you are planning a holiday, business trip or study in the USA, then an eSIM is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to stay in touch.